Ireland romped to a 47 – 6 win against Italy yesterday afternoon at the Aviva Stadium in a game dominated by Brian O’Driscoll making his last appearance for Ireland on home turf.

The “Great One” set up two tries for Johnny Sexton and one for Andrew Trimble but Cian Healy, Sean Cronin, Fergus McFadden and Jack McGrath managed to find their own way to the line in this seven try rout. Sexton added two conversions and a penalty and Paddy Jackson popped over two conversions in another late cameo.

The Ulster contingent made reasonable contributions with Trimble and Henry the most effective in my opinion. Best and Henderson had solid enough games without hitting the heights that they are capable off and Jackson was his usual composed self when he got his late run out.

Disappointed that events conspired that I didn’t make it down to this one (and the Women’s game after) but then again when the loathsome “Mexican Wave” started in the second half it took a bit of the edge of my disappointment! If the game doesn’t keep you entertained enough then feck away off and stop wasting the tickets.

However the game was all about a certain Mr O’Driscoll and the “Great One” didn’t disappoint, producing three magical moments to set Ireland on their way against a well organised Italy.

On the sixth minute a superb reverse pass from O’Driscoll sent Sexton through for Ireland’s first try, splitting the defence with perfect timing. Jonny Bravo converted to give Ireland a 7 – 0 lead.

Any thoughts of Ireland running away with this one were quickly quashed as they struggled to make headway against a resolute defence. Ireland took too much out of the ball and the Italians mopped up efficiently.

The  visitors got due reward for their efforts on the 24th minute when Leonardo Sarto fielded a loose kick and proceeded to waltz past the Kearney brothers on his way to the line. Luciano Orquera converted taking the score to 7 – 7.

Sexton landed a penalty six minutes later and just before the break up popped O’Driscoll to press a pass, in heavy traffic, through to the hard working Trimble with the Ulster-man cutting inside and bulldozing his way over the line. Sexton obliged with the conversion giving Ireland a 17 – 7 lead at the break.

Ireland changed their tactics in the second half, this time letting the ball do the work, and their improved positional play eventually bore fruit – though they did make hard work of it at times.

A typically macho rumble from “Greedy” Healy, close to the line, ended with the usual outcome of him injuring himself in the act of scoring when there were easier chances either side. The conversion was missed and the departure of Healy sparked the replacement of the Ireland front row with Best and then Ross following within minutes.

The changes had little effect as Ireland took advantage of a tiring Italy. BOD got involved again, linking with the chuckle brothers, Rob and Dave, to send Jonny Bravo over for his second. The conversion was missed but the game was in the bag with Ireland leading 27 – 7.

BOD departed to rapturous applause and Sexton followed shortly after to be replaced by Ulster’s Jackson and with a much more simple, and effective, game plan Ireland bagged another three tries.

Replacements Cronin, McFadden and McGrath all crossed in the final quarter with Jackson converting two to give Ireland a somewhat flattering 46 – 7 win.

Man of the Match? Well who else but O’Driscoll!

IRELAND: Rob Kearney, Andrew Trimble, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy , Dave Kearney, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray, Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Paul O’Connell, Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Martin Moore, Rhys Ruddock, Jordi Murphy, Eoin Reddan, Paddy Jackson, Fergus McFadden.

With England and France both winning, as well as Ireland, this weekend it’s still very tight at the top of the Six Nations Championship with any one of the three still capable of winning.

Ireland have to be marginal favourites thanks to their points scored but it’s a huge ask to win in the Stade de France and you never know what sort of French side are going to turn up – you only have to look at their play in this tournament to prove that old chestnut!

However stick a few more Ulster players in the team and anything is possible for BOD and Ulster! (I’ll get my coat! 😆 )

TEAM	P	W	PD	TF	TA	PTS
IRELAND	4	3	81	13	2	6
ENGLAND	4	3	32	7	4	6
FRANCE	4	3	3	7	7	6
WALES	4	2	-5	4	6	4
SCOTLAND	4	1	-43	4	8	2
ITALY	4	0	-68	6	14	0